BSc(Hons) - mainly ICT & Computing; University Diploma in Music
QTS (Newman University College); Studying for MA (Music, Technology and Education)
Enhanced CRB Certificate
GTC, NASUWT

Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
English, Maths and Science to Key Stage 2
11+ Exam / secondary school entrance exams
English, ICT, Maths and Music to Key Stage 3
ICT, Maths and Music to GCSE / Level 2
Computing and ICT up to A Level / BTEC Level 3
Music theory and Music Technology up to A Level / BTEC Level 3

Handwriting: apart from earning more marks if the examiner or teacher can read a pupil or student's work, being able to present work in good handwriting is a valuable boost to any person's confidence.

I am happy to cover any of the subject areas for mature (adult) students.

For job seekers, whether you're a school/college leaver looking for the first time, or a worker trying to see why your CV is not getting you interviews, I offer a CV consultancy service. In most cases, this is a one-off service, charged at a flat rate.

Tell me about your qualifications.
BSc(Hons) mostly in IT and Computing, with some Maths and Creative Writing
Graduate-level university diplomas in Computing, IT and Music
Qualified Teacher Status [QTS] to teach in British secondary schools

I am working on a Master's degree in Music, Technology and Education.

What kind of experience do you have?
Ten years in secondary classrooms, with experience in primary, especially with Years 5 and 6
I have worked with with pupils experiencing many different types of special learning needs
100% pass rate at A Level
Typical GCSE pass rate "above expectations"

Background: Former pupil of one of the oldest public schools in London; also recipient of some very good private tuition during my own formative years.

How much do you charge?
Mostly, my fees are listed above.

There are some differences to the apparent cost of courses.
Handwriting, for example: I find most pupils and students are not comfortable trying to focus on a handwriting session for an hour, so my practice is to offer 30-minute sessions, with tasks to be completed every day or evening in-between each session.
CV consultancy - this is usually a one-off, fixed rate charge, either for a one-hour session or for a series of email exchanges developing your CV.

Where do you teach?
At students' homes in the areas around Coventry, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Atherstone, Tamworth, Hinckley/South East Leicestershire, Rugby

When are you available?
I am happy to teach weekday evenings; weekdays by prior arrangement; and Saturdays during term-time. Sessions can be scheduled at other times, by arrangement, during the school holidays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
Key Stage 2 [ages 9-11] - for SATS and school entrance exams;
Key Stage 3 [ages 12-14] - for SATS and school entrance exams at 13+;
GCSE / Level 2 national diplomas: ICT, Maths, Music, English
A Level / Level 3 national diplomas: Computing, ICT, Music Technology, Music Theory, Composition

I happy to work with mature students.

I can also offer more generalised IT/Internet courses to mature learners.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
Key Stage 2 and 3 SATS;
"Public" School entrance exams at 11+ and 13+;
GCSE and equivalent Level 2 national diplomas;
A Level and equivalent Level 3 national diplomas - especially where these have examinable components.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes.
Most recent certificate dated 10 November 2011

Do you belong to any professional organisations?
2002 - Member of the General Teaching Council for England [GTCE]
2002 - Member of the National Association of Schoolmasters / Union of Women Teachers [NASUWT]
2001 - Member of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators
2004 - Member of the British Computer Society

Where and with whom did you train?
Diploma in Computing - Open University, 2000
Diploma in IT - Open University, 2004
BSc(Honours) - Open University, 2004
Qualified Teacher Status [Graduate Teacher Training Programme] - Newman University College, Birmingham, 2007
Diploma in Music - Open University, 2008
MA "Music, Technology and Education" - De Montfort University, Leicester - Planned completion April 2012

Do you have a personal message for students?
If you're having problems understanding something in your school or college work, it usually isn't "just you", or something you'll "never get" - the usual problem is just that you need to spend a little time working-out why you haven't understood, or going back a step, to see what's stopping you from understanding. Sometimes, it just helps to have a different teacher, or tutor, explain things in a different way.

That's where having a personal tutor can help. You can ask questions without worrying that the rest of the class will think you're silly, or laugh at you after the lesson. You can also ask more questions, because a personal tutor can give you individual attention, without needing to keep an eye on the rest of the class.

Most important, this is about you, and helping you to show the rest of the world what you can do [and, believe me, looking at an exam certificate with good grades on it can be very satisfying to you as well!]

Articles

Inspiration for A Level / BTEC Music Technologist
Subject: Music Technology
Tags: a level, btec, music technology, project, student compostion
Created: 14/12/2011